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Oxygen Administration-Gas and Liquid: Restricted Health Condition

A facility may accept or retain a resident who requires the use of oxygen GAS if:

(1) the resident is mentally and physically capable of operating the equipment, is able to determine his/her need for oxygen, and is able to administer it him/herself *; OR

(2) intermittent oxygen administration is performed by an appropriately skilled professional.

*The facility is responsible for continuously monitoring the resident's ongoing ability to operate the equipment in accordance with the physician's orders.

Since a licensed professional is not required per regulation to be onsite 24/7 in an RCFE, in some cases the ability of a facility to guarantee intermittent administration and assistance by a skilled professional may be difficult.

The regulations do, however, require that the facility staff have knowledge of, and the ability to operate the oxygen equipment. But they are not allowed to assist the resident, per the regulations; only an appropriate skilled professional is allowed to provide this assistance.

In addition to the administration of oxygen, Title 22 includes the following requirements as they pertain to the oxygen equipment:

(1) The facility shall submit a written report to the local fire jurisdiction notifying them oxygen is in use at the facility.

(4) Oxygen tanks that are not portable must be secured in a stand or to a wall.

(5) Plastic tubing from the nasal canula or mask to the oxygen shall be long enough to allow movement by the resident but not constitute a hazard to the resident or others.

(There are special conditions if oxygen tubing exceeds 7 feet in length. Refer to Title 22 or contact CARR if you require detailed information.)

(6) Oxygen from a portable source shall be used by residents when they are outside their rooms.

(7) Equipment shall be operable.

(8) Equipment shall be removed when no longer in use.

(9) Room size should be appropriate to accommodate all equipment.

A facility may accept or retain a resident who requires the use of LIQUID oxygen if:

(1) The licensee obtains prior approval from the licensing agency; AND

(2) If the resident is mentally and physically capable of operating the equipment, is able to determine his/her need for oxygen, and is able to administer it him/herself.

The regulations do not speak to a resident remaining in an RCFE if he requires assistance with liquid oxygen. Even if a licensed skilled professional is available to assist, it is not clear that the regulations allow this type of assistance. If this could be an issue for your resident, contact CCLD for regulatory clarification.